San Diego is a large city and many people use buses for public transportation. Whether is is children taking a school bus, MTS bus riders, or passengers on an interstate bus trip, thousands of people in San Diego rely on bus transportation each every day.
When someone gets onto a bus, he or she trusts that the driver is properly licensed, well-rested and ready to operate the bus in the safest way possible to protect the safety of all passengers. A bus passenger also trusts that the vehicle has been properly inspected and designed, and that all parts of the bus are fully operational. However, bus accidents do occur, and oftentimes it is the result of negligence on the part of the bus driver, bus company or bus manufacturer. When passengers are seriously injured in a San Diego bus accident, they may be able to take action to hold any and all wrongdoers accountable.
When involved in a bus accident, the consequences can be significant, possibly even more so than a typical car accident. There are more victims, more responsible parties, and injuries can potentially be much more serious because of the lack of safety equipment like airbags and seat belts. This can lead to further soft tissue, spinal cord, and brain injuries. For that reason, you probably will want to contact an experienced, qualified attorney to help you with your claim. A bus accident claim is likely to be very complex and you will want to have someone to help you to maximize your recovery.
Bus Accident Lawsuit Process
Filing a bus accident lawsuit can be a complex process, as there are a number of entities who may be liable for the accident. If a third party driver struck the bus or caused the accident, an attorney at the law offices of Howard A. Kitay may be able to help you recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver or their insurance company; however, if the bus driver caused the accident, the process may not be as straightforward. If the bus is owned and operated by the government, your attorney will first attempt to negotiate a settlement with the government’s insurance company. If your claim is denied, you may be required to file a claim against the government itself. It is imperative to retain an attorney who has experience in these type of lawsuits to help ensure you receive full compensation for your losses. There are strict rules and deadlines that must be followed to collect compensation in California, and without the assistance of a San Diego attorney from the law offices of Howard A. Kitay, you may lose your chance to recover damages.
The experienced San Diego bus accident lawyers at the law offices of Howard A. Kitay are here to offer you their professional services in this difficult time. With over two decades of extensive litigation experience, attorney Kitay has the skills needed to make your case a success. Our attorneys have the legal and medical know how to assess the circumstances surrounding a bus crash and to fully evaluate the pain, suffering and potentially long-term health consequences that you face. Our San Diego bus accident attorneys provide the strong and determined advocates you need to ensure that insurance companies are made to pay the full extent of damages applicable in your situation.
Types of Buses
If you have been injured in an accident while you were a passenger on a bus in San Diego County, contact Howard Kitay Law Firm to pursue a personal injury case. There are several types of buses, including:
- Public local transportation
- School bus
- Greyhound, intrastate and interstate bus lines
- Airport service
- Other buses and local transportation
Bus drivers have a higher standard of care than noncommercial drivers. They must receive specialized training and must obtain a commercial driver’s license. A negligence action against a government-operated bus will need to be filed within the appropriate statute of limitations. Your attorney will discuss this with you.
Causes of San Diego Bus Accidents
Causes of bus accidents near Chula Vista and across California include the following:
- Excessive speed
- Driving while tired, falling asleep while driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Unlawful lane changes
- Running stop signs or traffic lights
- Driving while intoxicated or using drugs
- Defective equipment or poor equipment maintenance
Bus accidents normally involve multiple passengers. A bus filled with people and a distracted driver becomes a deadly weapon in an accident. Claims for those injured while riding in a bus can be very costly. If a bus hurtles off the road or into a bridge abutment, multiple persons could be injured or killed.
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
- Facial and skin lacerations
- Loss of limbs or paralysis
- Broken bones or fractures
- Work loss
- Disability that may become permanent
- Psychological trauma
Damage Claims Compensation
- Medical treatment
- Surgeries
- Work loss
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
California Bus Accidents Lawsuits
Even the safest bus driver can make a mistake that results in a crash and bodily injuries to innocent passengers. At high speeds, a bus crash may result in severe passenger injuries and expensive medical care for victims, especially if the head or spinal cord is damaged.
Negligence is a factor in many Chula Vista bus accident cases. The San Diego bus accident lawyers at Howard Kitay Law Offices are dedicated to helping you win. They understand the trauma and expenses you will encounter and are ready to fight for your rights to full and fair compensation for all damages, including anticipated future expenses for long-term care. Put Howard Kitay bus accident attorneys on your side and get the satisfaction and compensation you deserve.
Complimentary Consultation for Bus Accident Victims
Howard Kitay Law Firm bus accident attorneys want to offer you a free case consultation at their Chula Vista, El Cajon or Mission Valley law offices. You will understand legal options and possible future actions. No payment is asked unless we win, and at Howard Kitay Law Firm, your legal fees will be deducted out of settlement funds or monetary court awards. We also proudly serve clients in Bonita, Imperial Beach, National City and San Ysidro. Make your appointment now for a free Howard Kitay consultation; call (619) 442-0542.